Initiatives

Starting 2023, Kids Can Write will be introducing new Initiatives biannually. Each one will target a specific audience to enrich the lives of. These will all be volunteering and free programs for families, as we wish to provide the best service in an affordable way. Read below to learn more about our first Initiative being set into motion.

THE JAD INITIATIVE: For Cancer Patients

The Jad Initiative, created January 2023, was inspired by Jad Salem and created in his honor. Jad was fellow friend, brother, and storyteller.

The mission of the Jad Initiative is for KCW tutors to volunteer at hospitals, working primarily with cancer patients, but also those with other diseases, to help our students publish their stories and leave an indelible mark on the world that is their creativity.

Through becoming published authors, our students will have a legacy that will be here forever, and something to remind them that they are more than the disease that takes over their body—that they have a story to tell that wants to be heard. It will motivate them to aspire for so much more and give them the self-confidence that they can accomplish whatever they set their minds to. We believe that this program is more than six sessions and a concluding ceremony — it’s a mark that never leaves, with a book to forever remind them and their families that they are important, and the world knows it. 

We are proud to announce that the first KCW Jad Initiative Program is running this Fall 2023, in partnership with Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, VA!

Jad was bold, strong, and a fighter who battled through Osteosarcoma Cancer from 2013-2019, since the age of 15. No matter what, he never failed to light up the room and bring positivity into the lives of everyone that knew him. He was and will always be a beacon of hope. He forever remained the same person who wanted to make everyone laugh and smile; that’s why he became a magician. Through his magic tricks, storytelling, and contagious, loud laughter, he brought out happiness in everyone. He created laughter out of dead silence and smiles on faces that forgot the wrinkles that could be made from joy. Anyone would be the luckiest person to know him.

The LebLegacy Initiative: For Lebanese Children

The LebLegacy Initiative, created June 2023, was established in dedication to Kids Can Write's Founder's Lebanese roots.

Welcome to our innovative initiative dedicated to enhancing English literacy, promoting the power of storytelling, and creating opportunities for the talented young minds of Lebanon, a vibrant hub in the heart of the Middle East. 

Through this program, the passionate team at KCW's American University of Beirut (AUB) Chapter collaborates with the International College Elementary School in Beirut. This program is thoughtfully designed to empower Lebanese youth, strengthen their self-confidence in English writing and storytelling, and open doors to exciting global opportunities after becoming Published Authors. The end-goal of LebLegacy programs is for each student to write a book that will be published in a collection of stories on Amazon. Students will be encouraged to write autobiographical stories, but will also be supported in writing fictional topics as well. They will be listed as authors on the collection of stories, forging the first steps of their legacies. This initiative reflects our unwavering dedication to the youth of Lebanon and our firm belief in their ability to excel on the international stage. Join us on this educational adventure as we empower Lebanese youth to reach for the stars and set the stage for their LebLegacies!

The EMPOWER Initiative: For Refugees

The EMPOWER Initiative, created in September 2023, was established to help refugees become published authors.

Through the EMPOWER initiative, we teach our students, aged 6 to 16, on English as a second language, creative writing, and how to write a story and become published authors. We're on a mission to provide refugees with the tools and opportunities they need to express themselves, find their voice, and build a brighter future through storytelling and creativity. 

Through English lessons, writing workshops, storytelling sessions, and collaborative projects, we're not just fostering literacy; we're nurturing resilience. We empower refugees to tell their own stories, share their unique perspectives, and bridge the gap between cultures. We also encourage them to explore the world of creative writing without boundaries.

We are proud to announce our collaboration with the Blacksburg Refugee Partnership starting Fall 2023!

Join us in this literary journey, where words become bridges, stories become voices, and refugees become empowered authors of their own narratives. Together, we're not just writing stories; we're rewriting destinies.

Stories That Heal: For Incarcerated Individuals

Created October 2023, this initiative strives to nurture hope, facilitate healing, and foster positive change in Incarcerated Individuals by harnessing the cathartic nature of storytelling.

The central mission of the "Stories that Heal" Initiative is to provide a therapeutic and creative platform for Incarcerated Individuals, enabling them to create fictional stories or personal narratives. Participants will be able to also become published authors and receive complementary copies of their books.

Benefits:

  1. Therapeutic Outlet: "Stories that Heal" provides a therapeutic outlet for incarcerated individuals, aiding in managing stress, anxiety, and emotional trauma associated with incarceration.

  2. Personal Growth and Redemption: Through self-reflection and storytelling, incarcerated individuals can embark on a journey of personal growth, self-improvement, and ultimately, redemption.

  3. Empowerment and Hope: Sharing their stories and receiving acknowledgment empowers incarcerated individuals, giving them hope for a better future and reinforcing their sense of self-worth.

"Stories that Heal" for Incarcerated Individuals strives to be a beacon of transformation within the confines of incarceration, where the simple act of sharing one's story can pave the way for healing, growth, and a brighter tomorrow, both inside and outside the prison walls.

Memories Unveiled: For Seniors

Created October 2023, "Memories Unveiled" is a compassionate initiative dedicated to cherishing the treasured memories and life stories of seniors, particularly those living with Alzheimer's or Dementia in retirement homes and also individuals in hospices.

This initiative strives to honor their rich tapestry of memories, allowing their narratives to live on and inspire generations to come. We aim to provide a nurturing and empathetic space for seniors, especially those navigating the challenges of Alzheimer's or Dementia, or those in hospices, to recount and share their life stories. 

Benefits:

  1. Therapeutic Expression: "Memories Unveiled" offers a therapeutic outlet for seniors to express their thoughts, emotions, and memories, promoting emotional healing and a sense of relief.

  2. Connection and Belonging: Sharing stories creates a sense of belonging and connection within the senior community, fostering social interaction and improving overall mental and emotional wellness.

  3. Legacy of Wisdom: The initiative enables seniors to leave behind a meaningful legacy, sharing their wisdom, experiences, and life lessons with their loved ones and the world.

"Memories Unveiled" endeavors to celebrate the beauty of each senior's unique narrative, providing them with a platform to share their life's tapestry. Through this initiative, we aspire to create an enduring legacy that highlights the significance of their lives and the timeless wisdom they hold.

Fill out the form below if you would like to request to be a participant in any of the above Initiatives